[LINK] Tongue to become computer controller

[David Boxall]

Could be a significant development for the disabled - or a source of 
endless jokes.  Perhaps both.

<http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/08/25/tongue-become-computer-control>
>
> PC snogging
>
> By Nick Farrell 
> <http://www.theinquirer.net/articles/flameAuthor/gb/inquirer/news/2008/08/25/tongue-become-computer-control>: 
> Monday, 25 August 2008, 7:17 AM
>
> *BOFFINS IN AMERICA* are hoping to come up with a new computer 
> interface that uses the tongue.
>
> While not advocating snogging your computer, the boffins think that 
> they can build a virtual keyboard in your mouth with your teeth as a 
> keyboard and tongue to operate it.
>
> Maysam Ghovanloo, a Georgia Tech assistant professor who leads the 
> team's research said that punters could have full control over their 
> environment by moving their tongue. Philosophically speaking, no 
> change there then.
>
> The tongue interface is being designed for disabled people and will 
> allow them to manipulate wheelchairs, manage home appliances and 
> control computers.
>
> Currently the design has been labelled grotesque, but is coming along, 
> apparently.
>
> The tongue has the advantage as an interface because it is wired up to 
> the brain rather than the spinal cord and works when other parts of 
> the body don't.
>
-- 
David Boxall                    |  When a distinguished but elderly
                                |  scientist states that something is
                                |  possible, he is almost certainly
                                |  right. When he states that
                                |  something is impossible, he is
                                |  very probably wrong.
                                                   --Arthur C. Clarke